Killer Function of Circulating Neutrophils in Relation to Cytokines in Uterine Myoma and Endometrial Cancer.

The study presents the killer functions of circulating neutrophils: myeloperoxidase activity, the ability to generate ROS, phagocytic activity, receptor status, NETosis, as well as the level of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-18, granulocyte CSF, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and neutrophil elastase in the serum of patients with uterine myoma and endometrial cancer (FIGO stages I-III). The phagocytic ability of neutrophils in uterine myoma was influenced by serum levels of granulocyte CSF and IL-2 in 54% of the total variance. The degranulation ability of neutrophils in endometrial cancer was determined by circulating IL-18 in 50% of the total variance. In uterine myoma, 66% of the total variance in neutrophil myeloperoxidase activity was explained by a model dependent on blood levels of IL-17A, IL-6, and IL-4. The risk of endometrial cancer increases when elevated levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in circulating neutrophils are associated with reduced ability to capture particles via extracellular traps (96% probability).

Serum neurofilament light chain, inflammatory markers, and kynurenine metabolites in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Concussion leads to persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) in up to one-third of those affected. While previous research has linked the initial trauma to elevated serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL), inflammatory markers, and neurotoxic metabolites within the kynurenine pathway, few studies have explored their relevance in PPCS. This study aims to investigate these biomarkers in PPCS patients, elucidating their relevance in the prolonged phase of concussion. METHODS: Serum samples from 86 PPCS individuals aged 18-30 years, 2-6 months post-trauma were analyzed, with 54 providing follow-up samples after seven months. NFL was measured using single-molecule array (Simoa) technology, 13 inflammatory markers via a Luminex immunoassay, and five kynurenine metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A control group of 120 healthy anonymous blood donors was recruited for comparison. RESULTS: No significant NFL differences were found in PPCS participants compared with healthy individuals (p = 0.22). Intriguingly, a subset (9.3%) of PPCS participants initially exhibited abnormally high NFL levels (>9.7 pg/mL), which normalized upon follow-up (p = 0.032). Additionally, serum levels of the inflammatory markers, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), and eotaxin-1/CCL11 were 25-40% lower than in healthy individuals (p ≤ 0.001). As hypothesized, PPCS participants exhibited a 22% reduction in the ratio of kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid (neuroprotective index) (p < 0.0001), indicating a shift towards the formation of neurotoxic metabolites. CONCLUSION: NFL may serve as a biomarker to monitor recovery, and future studies should investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating the kynurenine pathway to improve PPCS.

Correlation between serum inflammatory factors and cognitive function in patients with high-altitude polycythemia: A case-control study.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the serum inflammatory factors in patients with high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) and their correlation with cognitive function. The subjects were recruited and placed into a HAPC group and control group. Serum samples were collected, and inflammatory factors (interleukin-1beta [IL-1ß], monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were measured using ELISA kits. The mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function. According to the MMSE scores, HAPC group was further divided into normal cognitive function group (HNCF) and cognitive dysfunction group (HCDF). In comparison with the control group, the MMSE scores in the HAPC group were significantly low (P < .05), whereas the serum levels of IL-1ß, MCP-1, and TNF-α were significantly high (P < .01). Among the HAPC group (n = 60), 21 belonged to the HCDF and 39 belonged to the HNCF. Compared with the HNCF, the IL-1ß, MCP-1, and TNF-α in the HCDF were significantly increased (P < .01). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that inflammatory factors were positively correlated with hemoglobin, and negatively correlated with MMSE. Serum inflammatory cytokines IL-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α were increased in HAPC, and HAPC exhibited cognitive dysfunction. Considering chronic hypoxia environment influences the change of the red blood cell metabolic and inflammatory factor, red blood cells and inflammatory factor in plateau is likely to be affected by patients with vascular lesions, increase cognitive impairment.

The association between inflammatory biomarkers and low back disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Low back disorder (LBD) is a major cause of disability worldwide. Inflammation results in proliferation of cytokines or consequent degradation products (collectively known as inflammatory biomarkers) that activate pain pathways which can result in non-specific LBD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in patients with LBD. METHODS: The PRISMA guideline was followed for the systematic reivew. Three online databases were searched. Four RCTs and sixteen observational studies with 1142 LBD patients were analysed. The primary outcomes were back and leg pain scores, back-specific disability scores and expression of inflammatory biomarkers. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to summarize the strength of evidence. RESULTS: Four RCTs and sixteen observational studies were included in the analysis of 1142 patients with LBD. There was a statistically significant reduction in back pain score and IL-1 beta and increase in the expression of CTX-1 and IL-10 levels post treatment. There was a significant relationship between increase in the expression of MCP- and reduction in the expression of hsCRP with increase in back pain. Significant relationship was also observed between increase in the expression of MCP-1 and reduction in the expression of IL-6 with increase in leg pain. Increase in the expression of IL-8 and reduction in the expression of hsCRP was also associated with increased disability score. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory biomarkers play a significant role in the pathogenesis of LBD. CTX-1, IL-10 and IL-1 beta may be responsible for the decrease in back pain scores post treatment. There is a relationship between MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8 and hsCRP with clinical and functional assessments for LBD. Further studies will improve understanding of the pathogenesis of LBD and aid in targeted management strategies.

The importance of the enzyme Gamma-glutamyltransferase in the pathogenic cluster in type2 diabetic patient.

Introduction. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a liver enzyme involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. It is already known that MCP-1 (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1) and TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor) as inflammatory markers, ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1) as an endothelial dysfunctional marker, and glutathione, as an antioxidant, have abnormal levels in type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the specific biological picture of type 2 diabetic patients that also associate higher GGT activity. Methods. Eighty-five type 2 diabetes, aged 40-70 years with a duration of diabetes less than 6 years without infections, epilepsy, chronic liver or cardiac diseases, without alcohol consumption (>20 g/day) were divided in two subgroups, those with normal and those with high abnormal GGT. Results. The diabetic patients with high GGT (n=31) had dysglycaemia, dyslipidemia, higher inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, MCP-1) and endothelial dysfunction (high leptin and sICAM). sICAM, serum MCP-1 and TNF-α levels had significant correlations with GGT activity (r= 0.38, r=0.30 and 0.26 respectively, p<0.05). Conclusion. This study underlines that in non-alcoholic diabetic patients, with a duration of the metabolic disease less than 6 years, sICAM, serum MCP-1 and TNF-α might play an important role in dysmetabolism, and higher level for GGT represents the "red flag" for this condition.

Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines and hepatokine with incident diabetes in India: a nested case-control study within CARRS cohort.

AIMS: To study the association of pro-inflammatory markers with incident diabetes in India. METHODS: We did a nested case-control study within the CARRS (Centre for Ardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia) cohort. Of the 5739 diabetes-free individuals at the baseline, 216 participants with incident diabetes and 432 age-, gender- and city-matched controls at 2-year follow-up were included. We measured high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ( MCP-1), adiponectin, leptin and fetuin-A in the stored baseline blood samples. We did multivariate conditional logistic regression to estimate association of inflammatory markers (as quartiles) and incident diabetes. Covariates were baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipids, body mass index (BMI), family history of diabetes, smoking and alcohol use. RESULTS: Baseline hsCRP and TNF-α were higher, and IL-6 and adiponectin were lower among cases vs. controls. In multivariate conditional logistic regression models, only quartile-3 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.96 [95% CI:1.39, 6.30]) and quartile-4 (OR: 2.58 [95% CI: 1.15, 5.79]) of TNF-α and quartile-4 of MCP-1 (OR: 2.55 [95% CI: 1.06, 6.16]) were positively associated with diabetes after adjusting for baseline FPG and BMI. These associations did not remain after adjusting for family history. High level (quartile-4) of IL-6 was negatively associated with diabetes after adjusting for all factors (OR: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.06, 0.55]). CONCLUSIONS: Higher TNF-α and MCP-1 levels and lower IL-6 were associated with higher risk of developing diabetes. Better understanding and potential methods of addressing these biomarkers, especially in relation to family history, are needed to address diabetes in South Asians.

Evaluation of the serum levels of CCL2, CCL3, and IL-29 after first and second administrations of the COVID-19 vaccine (Oxford-AstraZeneca).

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show that chemokines and cytokines play a very important role in eliciting an appropriate response against viruses. Vaccination causes inflammation in the person receiving the vaccine, accompanied with production of inflammatory molecules by immune cells. The more and better the production and expression of chemokines and cytokines by immune cells, the better the response of the acquired immune system. Chemokines and cytokines are critical in promoting the innate immune response against the COVID-19. Here we intended to assess serum levels of CCL2, CCL3, and interleukin (IL)-29 in patients received COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: In this study, 40 subjects vaccinated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were selected. Blood samples were collected before injection of the vaccine, 3-5 days after the first dose injection, and 3-5 days subsequent to the second vaccination. To check the serum level of CCL2, CCL3, and IL-29, ELISA technique was used. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the serum levels of CCL2, CCL3, and IL-29 were significantly higher after first and second dose of vaccination compared to before vaccine administration. Furthermore, serum levels of all these mediators were higher after second dose of vaccine compared to the first vaccine administration. CONCLUSIONS: Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is able to induce inflammatory CCL2 and CCL3 chemokines as well as protective interferon lambda (IL-29).

Circulating Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that leads to the destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts. While the inflammatory process can be mediated by monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), the importance of circulating MCP-1 as a biomarker is unclear. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic significance of the serum concentrations of MCP-1 in PBC patients. We compared circulating MCP-1 with biochemical, immunological and histological parameters. Serum samples were collected from 120 PBC patients, 60 pathologic controls and 30 healthy donors. MCP-1 levels were determined by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Elevated serum MCP-1 levels were detected in 66% of PBC patients with a specificity of 97%. Significantly higher levels of MCP-1 protein were found in the sera of patients with PBC than in the group of healthy individuals-410.2 pg/mL vs. 176.0 pg/mL, p < 0.01). Patients with higher concentrations of alkaline phosphatase also had higher levels of MCP-1 (r = 0.4, p < 0.01). In accordance with Ludwig's classification, a positive correlation of serum MCP-1 concentration with the degree of fibrosis was observed, OR = 6.1, p = 0.0003. We compared the MCP-1 with procollagen type III, hyaluronic acid (HA), FIB-4 index, APRI and collagen type IV when predicting the advance of liver fibrosis. Circulating MCP-1 is better correlated with liver fibrosis and is also associated with the occurrence of specific antimitochondrial autoantibodies and specific anti-nuclear autoantibodies-anti-gp210. MPC-1 can be considered to be a tool for diagnosing the degree of fibrosis in PBC, and combinations of MCP-1 and other specific biomarkers could support the diagnosis of PBC.

Blood levels of MCP-1 modulate the genetic risks of Alzheimer's disease mediated by HLA-DRB1 and APOE for Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: C-Reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) are both implicated in the peripheral proinflammatory cascade and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Since the blood CRP level increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk depending on the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, we hypothesized that the blood MCP-1 level exerts different effects on the AD risk depending on the genotypes. METHODS: Using multiple regression analyses, data from the Framingham Heart Study (n = 2884) and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study (n = 231) were analyzed. RESULTS: An elevated blood MCP-1 level was associated with AD risk in major histocompatibility complex, Class II, DR beta 1 (HLA-DRB1) rs9271192-AC/CC (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50-6.28, p = 0.002) and in APOE ε4 carriers (HR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.59-6.53, p = 0.001). In contrast, among HLA-DRB1 rs9271192-AA and APOE ε4 noncarriers, blood MCP-1 levels were not associated with these phenotypes. DISCUSSION: Since HLA-DRB1 and APOE are expressed in the BBB, blood MCP-1 released in the peripheral inflammatory cascade may function as a mediator of the effects of HLA-DRB1 rs9271192-AC/CC and APOE ε4 genotypes on AD pathogenesis in the brain via the BBB pathways.

Serum Levels of CXCR4, SDF-1, MCP-1, NF-κB and ERK1/2 in Patients with Skeletal Fluorosis.

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) affect bone cells and play an important role in bone and joint diseases, but the data on CXCR4, SDF-1, MCP-1, ERK1/2 and NF-κB in the serum of skeletal fluorosis (SF) patients are inconclusive. Thus, according to the "Diagnostic Criteria for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis" (WS 192-2008), we enrolled patients with SF (n = 60) as the SF group and those without SF as the controls (n = 60). Serum levels of CXCR4, SDF-1, MCP-1, ERK1/2 and NF-κB were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Serum SDF-1, CXCR4, MCP-1 and NF-κB levels were significantly higher in the SF group than in the control group. Within the serum of SF patients, CXCR4 and SDF-1 levels were positively correlated with NF-κB levels. There was no correlation between MCP-1 levels and those of ERK1/2 or NF-κB. SDF-1 and CXCR4 may activate the NF-κB pathway, and MCP-1 affects the occurrence and development of SF by regulating osteocytes through other pathways. The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and MCP-1 signalling pathway provide a new theoretical basis for the occurrence and development of SF.

Prognostic Value of Serum Interleukin-6, NF-κB plus MCP-1 Assay in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy.

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1) assay in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods: From May 2019 to March 2020, 104 patients with diabetic nephropathy treated in our institution assessed for eligibility were recruited and assigned at a ratio of 1 : 1 to either the observation group ([urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER)] of 30 mg-300 mg/24 h) or the research group ([UAER] >300 mg/24 h). IL-6, MCP-1, renal function indices, and NF-κB levels were determined, and their correlation with DN was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of end-stage renal disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to analyze the predictive value of combined detection of IL-6, MCP-1, and NF-κB in the prognosis of patients with diabetic nephropathy. Results: The eligible patients with UAER of 30 mg-300 mg/24 h were associated with significantly higher levels of IL-6, MCP-1, NF-κB, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr) versus those with UAER >300 mg/24 h (P < 0.05). During the follow-up, a total of 38 patients progressed to end-stage renal diseases. Eligible patients with end-stage renal diseases showed significantly higher serum IL-6, MCP-1, and NF-κB levels versus those without end-stage renal diseases (P < 0.05). Serum IL-6, MCP-1, and NF-κB are independent risk factors for the occurrence of end-stage renal disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The AUCs of IL-6, MCP-1, and NF-κB for predicting the prognosis of patients with diabetic nephropathy were 0.562, 0.634, and 0.647, respectively, and the AUC of the three combined detection for predicting the prognosis of patients with diabetic nephropathy was 0.889. Conclusion: Serum IL-6, NF-κB, and MCP-1 levels are closely related to renal injury and poor prognosis in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and the combined assay is valuable for assessing patients' condition and prognosis.

Predictive Value of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in the Development of Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the proinflammatory monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the diagnosis of asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) was determined using clinical and laboratory parameters, and echocardiography was performed to estimate DD. Serum MCP-1 concentrations were elevated in PsA patients with DD diagnosed with ultrasound (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile): 366.6 pg/mL (283, 407.1 pg/mL) vs. 277.5 pg/mL (223.5, 319.1 pg/mL) in controls; P < 0.0017). PsA patients with serum MCP-1 concentration higher than the cut-off value of 347.6 pg/mL had a 7.74-fold higher chance of developing DD than PsA patients with lower serum MCP-1 concentrations (controls), with a specificity of 86.36% and sensitivity of 55%, as verified using ultrasound. The group with MCP-1 concentrations above the cut-off value also showed a higher late peak diastolic mitral inflow velocity, A-wave value (P = 0.000005), E/E' ratio (P = 0.00005), and a lower E/A ratio (P = 0.000002), peak systolic left atrial reservoir strain, SA value (P = 0.0066), early peak diastolic displacement of the mitral septal annulus, E' wave value (P = 0.003), than controls. Systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), LDL cholesterol concentration (P = 0.012), glucose concentration (P = 0.011), and DAPSA (P = 0.0000) increased in the PsA group with higher MCP-1 concentrations, although there were no differences in comorbidities and therapy between the groups compared. Thus, the serum MCP-1 concentration was a significant and independent prognostic indicator for asymptomatic DD in PsA patients (area under the curve = 0.730, P = 0.001). The DAPSA score in PsA patients might indicate the need for echocardiography and adjustment of anti-inflammatory treatment in terms of DD prevention.

Usefulness of serum CCL2 as prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer: a long-term follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate-specific antigen is considered the most useful biomarker for prostate cancer, but not in all cases. In a previous study, we have shown that a risk classification combining prostate-specific antigen ≥100 ng/mL and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/mL can predict survivals. We investigated the long-term usefulness of serum chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 as a complementary biomarker to prostate-specific antigen and developed a novel risk classification system. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 379 patients who underwent prostate biopsy at Kanazawa University Hospital between 2007 and 2013, and 255 patients with histologically diagnosed prostate cancer were included in this study. We retrospectively examined the efficacy of serum chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 as a prognostic biomarker. RESULTS: Patients with chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/mL exhibited a significantly shorter overall survival, prostate cancer-specific survival and castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival than those with chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 < 320 pg/mL. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 was a useful prognostic factor. Independent significant predictors of worse overall survival were prostate-specific antigen ≥ 100 ng/mL, Gleason score ≥ 8 and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/dL. Prognostic predictors of prostate cancer-specific survival or cancer-free survival in multivariate analysis were prostate-specific antigen ≥ 100 ng/mL and Gleason score ≥ 8. A novel risk classification system was created to predict overall survival in patients based on the number of risk factors present (chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/mL, prostate-specific antigen ≥ 100 ng/mL, Gleason score ≥ 8). Scores 2 or 3, 1 and 0 indicated Poor, Intermediate and Good risk groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the utility of serum chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 level as a predictive biomarker of long-term overall survival in prostate cancer. A novel risk classification system that predicts long-term overall survival based on the combined indications of chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 level, prostate-specific antigen level and Gleason score may be a useful prognostic tool for prostate cancer.

Relationship among Serum Homocysteine, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, and Visual Impairment in Diabetic Macular Edema.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship among serum homocysteine (Hcy), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and visual impairment in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Yulin Second Hospital, China, from April 2018 to May 2021. METHODOLOGY: A total of 132 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), complicated with DME, were selected as observation group; and 132 patients with simple DR were included in the control group. According to visual examination, patients in observation group were divided into visual disability and non-visual disability. Serum Hcy, ICAM-1, MCP-1, and other indicators were measured. RESULTS: Duration of diabetes, levels of serum Hcy, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in observation group were higher than those in control group (all p <0.001). Levels of serum Hcy, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in patients with mild, moderate and severe DME were significantly different (all p <0.001). Levels of serum Hcy, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in patients with visual disabilities were higher than those in patients with non-visual disabilities (all p <0.001). Levels of serum Hcy, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in visually disabled patients were higher than those in non-visual disability patients (all p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Levels of serum Hcy, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in patients with DR complicated with DME were higher than those without visual disability; and levels of Hcy, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in patients with visual disability were higher than those without visual disability. In patients with DR complicated with DME, increase of these serum markers may play an important role in visual disability. Key Words: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), Diabetic macular edema (DME), Hcy, ICAM-1, MCP-1, Visual impairment.

Interleukin-6 Is an Early Plasma Marker of Severe Postoperative Complications in Thoracic Surgery: Exploratory Results From a Substudy of a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications in surgery are a significant burden, not only for the patients but also economically. While several predicting factors have already been identified, it is still not well known if increased levels of inflammatory markers in the immediate perioperative phase correlate with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate which patient characteristics and intraoperative parameters correlate with increased plasma values of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) of thoracic surgery patients. A second goal was to explore whether MCP-1 and IL-6 are associated with the incidence of postoperative complications. We hypothesized that there is a positive association between inflammatory markers and the occurrence of complications within 6 months after surgery. METHODS: This is a substudy of a recent randomized controlled trial, which defined the effect of desflurane versus propofol anesthesia on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. MCP-1 and IL-6 were determined in plasma obtained before and 30 minutes after 1-lung ventilation, 6 hours after surgery, and on postoperative days 1 and 2. Complications were recorded for 6 months. Mixed linear models were used to examine factors associated with MCP-1 and IL-6 levels. Logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the association between MCP-1 and IL-6 and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In the original study, 460 patients were included, MCP-1 and IL-6 levels were determined in 428 patients. MCP-1 was positively associated with the duration of surgery (P = .016), whereas IL-6 levels increased with both the length (P < .001) and invasiveness of lung surgery (thoracoscopic wedge resection or lobectomy versus open lobectomy, P = .005; thoracoscopic wedge resection or lobectomy versus pneumonectomy, P = .021). In an exploratory approach, elevated IL-6 plasma peaks were associated with the occurrence of severe complications defined as Clavien-Dindo score grade ≥IVa during the postoperative phase up to 6 months after thoracic surgery (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this substudy reveals factors, which correlate with high MCP-1 and IL-6 values. Moreover, higher IL-6 seems to be associated with postoperative severe complications. Perioperative IL-6 monitoring might be helpful for risk estimation in the perioperative setting of patients after lung surgery.

Sex differences in inflammatory cytokine levels following synthetic cathinone self-administration in rats.

Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Many abused drugs, including stimulants, activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription leading to increases in NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the level of inflammation appears to correlate with length of abuse. The purpose of this study was to measure the profile of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α in brain and plasma to examine if drug exposure alters inflammatory markers. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) (0.1 mg/kg/infusion), 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC) (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), or saline through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Cytokine levels were examined in amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, and plasma. Rats acquired synthetic cathinone self-administration, and there were no sex differences in drug intake. Synthetic cathinone self-administration produced sex differences in IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α levels. There were widespread increases in inflammatory cytokines in the brains of male rats compared to females, particularly for 4MMC, whereas females were more likely to show increased inflammatory cytokines in plasma compared to saline groups than males. Furthermore, these sex differences in cytokine levels were more common after LgA access to synthetic cathinones than ShA. These results suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sex-selective patterns of neuroinflammation during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse and based on sex.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Pitavastatin to Monocytes/Macrophages Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Apoe-/- Mice.

AIM: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a lethal and multifactorial disease. To prevent a rupture and dissection of enlarged AAA, prophylactic surgery and stenting are currently available. There are, however, no medical therapies preventing these complications of AAA. Statin is one of the candidates, but its efficacy on AAA formation/progression remains controversial. We have previously demonstrated that nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating pitavastatin (Pitava-NPs)-clinical trials using these nanoparticles have been already conducted-suppressed progression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient ( Apoe-/-) mice. Therefore, we have tested a hypothesis that monocytes/macrophages-targeting delivery of pitavastatin prevents the progression of AAA. METHODS: Angiotensin II was intraperitoneally injected by osmotic mini-pumps to induce AAA formation in Apoe-/- mice. NPs consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) were used for in vivo delivery of pitavastatin to monocytes/macrophages. RESULTS: Intravenously administered Pitava-NPs (containing 0.012 mg/kg/week pitavastatin) inhibited AAA formation accompanied with reduction of macrophage accumulation and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression. Ex vivo molecular imaging revealed that Pitava-NPs not only reduced macrophage accumulation but also attenuated matrix metalloproteinase activity in the abdominal aorta, which was underpinned by attenuated elastin degradation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Pitava-NPs inhibit AAA formation associated with reduced macrophage accumulation and MCP-1 expression. This clinically feasible nanomedicine could be an innovative therapeutic strategy that prevents devastating complications of AAA.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 is not predictive of cardiac events in patients with non-low-risk chest pain.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies suggest monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) may be useful for risk stratifying ED patients with chest pain. We hypothesise that MCP-1 will be predictive of 90-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in non-low-risk patients. METHODS: A case-control study was nested within a prospective multicentre cohort (STOP-CP), which enrolled adult patients being evaluated for acute coronary syndrome at eight US EDs from 25 January 2017 to 06 September 2018. Patients with a History, ECG, Age, and Risk factor score (HEAR score) ≥4 or coronary artery disease (CAD), a non-ischaemic ECG, and non-elevated contemporary troponins at 0 and 3 hours were included. Cases were patients with 90-day MACE (all-cause death, myocardial infarction or revascularisation). Controls were patients without MACE selected with frequency matching using age, sex, race, and HEAR score or the presence of CAD. Serum MCP-1 was measured. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for cut-off points of 194 pg/mL, 200 pg/mL, 238 pg/mL and 281 pg/mL. Logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, race, and HEAR score/presence of CAD was used to determine the association between MCP-1 and 90-day MACE. A separate logistic model also included high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTnT). RESULTS: Among 40 cases and 179 controls, there was no difference in age (p=0.90), sex (p=1.00), race (p=0.85), or HEAR score/presence of CAD (p=0.89). MCP-1 was similar in cases (median 191.9 pg/mL, IQR: 161.8-260.1) and controls (median 196.6 pg/mL, IQR: 163.0-261.1) (p=0.48). At a cut-off point of 194 pg/mL, MCP-1 was 50.0% (95% CI 33.8% to 66.2%) sensitive and 46.9% (95% CI 39.4% to 54.5%) specific for 90-day MACE. After adjusting for covariates, MCP-1 was not associated with 90-day MACE at any cut-off point (at 194 pg/mL, OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.79)). When including hs-cTnT in the model, MCP-1 was not associated with 90-day MACE at any cut-off point (at 194 pg/mL, OR 0.85 (95% CI 0.42 to 1.73)). CONCLUSION: MCP-1 is not predictive of 90-day MACE in patients with non-low-risk chest pain.

A close-up view of dynamic biomarkers in the setting of COVID-19: Striking focus on cardiovascular system.

Based on the recent reports, cardiovascular events encompass a large portion of the mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which drawn cardiologists into the management of the admitted ill patients. Given that common laboratory values may provide key insights into the illness caused by the life-threatening SARS-CoV-2 virus, it would be more helpful for screening, clinical management and on-time therapeutic strategies. Commensurate with these issues, this review article aimed to discuss the dynamic changes of the common laboratory parameters during COVID-19 and their association with cardiovascular diseases. Besides, the values that changed in the early stage of the disease were considered and monitored during the recovery process. The time required for returning biomarkers to basal levels was also discussed. Finally, of particular interest, we tended to abridge the latest updates regarding the cardiovascular biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic criteria to determine the severity of COVID-19.

Iron Related Biomarkers Predict Disease Severity in a Cohort of Portuguese Adult Patients during COVID-19 Acute Infection.

Large variability in COVID-19 clinical progression urges the need to find the most relevant biomarkers to predict patients' outcomes. We evaluated iron metabolism and immune response in 303 patients admitted to the main hospital of the northern region of Portugal with variable clinical pictures, from September to November 2020. One hundred and twenty-seven tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 176 tested negative. Iron-related laboratory parameters and cytokines were determined in blood samples collected soon after admission. Demographic data, comorbidities and clinical outcomes were recorded. Patients were assigned into five groups according to severity. Serum iron and transferrin levels at admission were lower in COVID-19-positive than in COVID-19-negative patients. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were increased in COVID-19-positive patients. The lowest serum iron and transferrin levels at diagnosis were associated with the worst outcomes. Iron levels negatively correlated with IL-6 and higher levels of this cytokine were associated with a worse prognosis. Serum ferritin levels at diagnosis were higher in COVID-19-positive than in COVID-19-negative patients. Serum iron is the simplest laboratory test to be implemented as a predictor of disease progression in COVID-19-positive patients.